Executive Producer Joe Hisaishi and the Royal Shakespeare Company, in collaboration with Nippon TV and Improbable, have announced a new closing date for the West End transfer of My Neighbour Totoro. The critically acclaimed stage adaptation of Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli classic will now end on 3 January 2027 at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.
What the new end date means for audiences
The fresh booking window gives London audiences a clear last chance to see the multi-award-winning production before it closes. Adapted by Tom Morton-Smith and directed by Improbable co-founder Phelim McDermott, the show has become one of the West End's most distinctive family titles, pairing Hisaishi's iconic score with Basil Twist's celebrated puppetry.
Who is in the company
The current company includes Victoria Chen as Mei, Helen Chong as Satsuki, Dai Tabuchi as Tatsuo, Jacqueline Tate as Granny, and Ai Ninomiya as Kaze No Koe/Singer, alongside the production's Kazego Puppetry Ensemble. Live music drawn from Hisaishi's score remains central to the evening.
About the West End production
My Neighbour Totoro opened as a stage phenomenon at the Barbican before transferring to the West End, where it has drawn families and Studio Ghibli fans with its blend of live music, inventive puppetry and a story rooted in childhood wonder. Production design is by Tom Pye, with puppetry design and direction by Basil Twist, costumes by Kimie Nakano, lighting by Jessica Hung Han Yun and movement by You-Ri Yamanaka. Will Stuart's orchestration of Joe Hisaishi's score is performed live, with sound design by Tony Gayle and video design by Finn Ross and Andrea Scott.
The new 3 January 2027 finish gives a firm last night for the Gillian Lynne Theatre engagement. Whether you are booking for half-term, Christmas week or a January visit, the calendar is now finite, which usually tightens the most popular matinees first.
Should you book?
Yes, if you have been waiting for a Totoro date. A confirmed January 2027 finish concentrates demand into the remaining months, and family calendars fill quickly around Christmas and New Year. Check live availability on the My Neighbour Totoro show page and book official tickets while the run is still open.
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The British Theatre editorial desk publishes news, on-sale alerts and production updates from across the West End and the UK. Desk pieces are written and checked by the editorial team.
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